Feasibility of the Resistance Training for Teens StrongHER program for Muslim adolescent girls

Muslim adolescent girls can face intersecting barriers to physical activity. This study examined the feasibility of implementing Resistance Training for Teens StrongHER (RT4T StrongHER), a tailored program, in Islamic school settings. A wait-list control feasibility study was conducted with 56 female students (mean age = 14.6 ± 0.7) from two Islamic secondary schools in Victoria, Australia: one intervention school with one class (n = 27) and one wait-list control school with one class (n = 29). The eight-week program was delivered during Health and Physical Education (HPE) lessons by the class teacher. Feasibility was assessed using teacher fidelity logs and teacher- and student-reported post-intervention process evaluation surveys. Resistance training knowledge, confidence, and motivation were assessed using a knowledge questionnaire and self-report measures and analysed using linear mixed models. All intended theory and practical lessons were delivered, with moderate-to-high acceptability and compatibility with Islamic school settings reported by the teacher and students. Exploratory analyses indicated significant Group x Time interactions for resistance training knowledge (B = 2.39, 95% CI [0.87, 3.90]) and confidence (B = 0.53, 95% CI [0.23, 0.82]). The interaction for motivation was not statistically significant (B = 0.22, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.54, p = 0.170). Findings suggest RT4T StrongHER appears feasible within Islamic school HPE contexts.